The pressing need for a new school in Charlesland was highlighted in the Dail last week by Deputy Simon Harris.

Speaking in the Dail last Wednesday Deputy Harris said a new primary school was needed for the Charlesland area of Greystones to address the rising demand for school places in Greystones, Delgany and Kilcoole.

Deputy Harris raised the issue with Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn TD during a special topical debate.

Speaking after the exchange in the Dáil chamber, Deputy Harris said: 'I once again raised the serious issue which the parents of young children in the wider Greystones area find themselves in when enrolling children in their local schools.

'In my opening remarks to the Minister I outlined the severe distress and anxiety which parents are enduring at present. It was also important to note that the parents of children without a school place have gone about the application procedure in the correct manner and have done so with their preferred ethos in mind.

'The local schools have been working tirelessly and I commend all their efforts. Ultimately we need more school places in Greystones and I think a new primary school to help meet demand is required.

'I highlighted to the Minister that every year the people of Greystones experience a similar problem and that as soon as additional classrooms are provided, they fill up. We can no longer tolerate a simple 'sticking plaster' approach from the Department of Education in relation to school places. We need a longer and more sustainable plan.

'I urged the Minister to instruct his Department to take immediate steps to ensure adequate school places in the community for this coming school year but also to look beyond just this year.'